1. At the commencement of the first meeting of its regular session, the Governing Council shall elect a President, three vice-presidents and a Rapporteur from among its members. These officers shall constitute the Bureau of the Governing Council. The Bureau shall assist the President in the general conduct of business of the Governing Council. The Chairmen of such sessional committee or working parties as may be established under rule 60 below shall be invited to participate in meetings of the Bureau.

2. In electing its officers, the Governing Council shall have due regard to the principle of equitable geographical representation.

3. The Offices of President and Rapporteur of the Governing Council shall normally be subject to rotation among the five groups of states referred to in section 1, paragraph 1, of General Assembly resolution 2997 (XXVII).

Terms of office

Rule 19

The President, the Vice Presidents and the Rapporteur shall hold office until their successors are elected. Subject to the Provisions of rule 18, they shall be eligible for re-election. None of them may hold office after the expiration of the term of office of the member of which he is a representative.

Acting President

Rule 20

It the President cannot preside at a meeting or any part thereof, he shall appoint a vice-president to take his place.

Replacement of the President

Rule 21

If the President ceases to be a representative of a member of the Governing Council or is unable to perform his functions, or if the State of which he is a representative ceases to be a member of the Governing Council, the Bureau shall designate one of the vice-presidents as Acting President.

Powers of the Acting President

Rule 22

A vice-president acting as President shall have the same powers and duties as the President.

Voting rights of the President

Rule 23

In the case of a member of the Governing Council, which is for the time being represented by the President, an alternate representative shall, at the discretion of the President, be permitted to participate in the proceedings and to vote in the Governing Council. In such a case the President shall not exercise his right to vote.